India couldn't have chosen a better venue for the last ODI of the series. It is cold in Delhi. In the morning, there is fog. In the afternoon, light doesn't stay. A bit like the Indian cricket team right now, caught in the winter, looking desperately for that small window between fog and fading light.

This winter has gone on for too long, though. It all began in the West Indies in 2011 when they aborted a chase, and now almost every week they lose another bit of the remaining pride. Test series in England and Australia: lost. CB Series and Asia Cup: not even close to finals. World Twenty20: didn't even try to make the next round. Then came a home Test series loss to England. And now they are staring at only their second whitewash in a home ODI series, the first since 1983-84. If India lose in Delhi, all they will have left to cherish is bilateral ODI series in Sri Lanka and the fact that an Indian team is always going to win the IPL.

On the other side has been warm winter sunshine. Only rarely do you see modern ODI attacks that provide no weak link. Least of all, Pakistan, because you expect - it's more a fear but it often comes true - at least one of the bowlers to wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Here, all four, plus Mohammad Hafeez, have applied collective pressure, not through defensive bowling but by looking to get batsmen out. The fielding and wicketkeeping, which has often let Pakistan down, has been faultless too. India have had no escape, and it shows in the results.

What is more commendable is that they have done so without any warm-up, without much cricket, and with a shaky batting line-up. Now they are one more such display short of sealing the first whitewash in a bilateral ODI series between India and Pakistan.

Form guide (Completed games, most recent first)

India: LLWWWPakistan: WWLWL

In the spotlight

India under MS Dhoni turned sitting back into an artform, a successful artform, both with the bat and with the ball. A huge part of their ODI success was that they did well in the middle overs with bits-and-pieces players. Now that comfort has been taken away, and MS Dhoni the tactician has looked rattled. The new regulation of having at least five players inside the circle has been more in tune with Pakistan, whose nature it is to attack.

Dhoni, however, has a sore back now, and might not even captain on Sunday. And India don't even have a clear deputy should he not recover in time. Asked who will captain if he doesn't make it, Dhoni said, "Let's hope that I play. We'll see tomorrow."*

If Dhoni does miss out, India will surely miss Dhoni the batsman, who has almost been the sole fighter, but in a perplexing manner he went from being the boy on the burning deck he was in Chennai to the violinist on the sinking Titanic in Kolkata. Towards the end, he didn't hit, he didn't take singles, and just blocked his way through. Was it a message for the rest of the side? We will never know. Being the best ODI batsman in the side, he at least needs to take more responsibility and bat higher in the order so that he is not always firefighting from five down for nothing.

The Pakistan XI is too small a place for both Azhar Ali and Misbah-ul-Haq, their only weak link so far. Perhaps they have both Azhar and Misbah as emergency back-up when the more attacking batsmen fail, but so far in the series they have only been part of spells that have taken away momentum from Pakistan. Perhaps they are both still in the side because of the injury to Asad Shafiq and the unreliability of Umar Akmal, but this is not a bad time for them to show they are relevant on their own.

Team news

India will be under pressure to give Ajinkya Rahane a game. Or they might want to give the misfiring openers one final chance before they drop - as is widely being anticipated - at least one of them in the selection meeting that will happen on the same day. In the bowling department, India are not exactly brimming with options.

Staging cricket in north India is a challenge in winter. Ranji matches have all been hit by fog and bad light. The groundsman, Venkat Sundaram, has been quoted in DNA saying he has always asked the BCCI to not stage matches in Delhi at this time of the year. In fact, Feroz Shah Kotla has hosted only three international matches in January.

However, Sundaram says the pitch is ready. The match strip produced a result in three days and a bit in the first-class match between Delhi and Odisha in November, but don't expect such help for seamers in the ODI.

The temperature is likely to swing between 4C and 15C. Fog and dew will be factors too, which is why we have the game starting at noon.

Stats and Trivia

India have been whitewashed at home only once, by West Indies, who were intent on payback after the World Cup-final loss, in 1983-84.

Pakistan and Australia are the only teams to have beaten India in a home ODI series in the last 10 years.

Younis Khan needs 108 runs to become the seventh Pakistan player to reach 7000 ODI runs

This series is shaping up to be the first in India since early 2007 with not a single score of 300

*1100GMT, January 5: The article was updated after it emerged that Dhoni had a sore back

Pakistan should go for the kill and try utmost for a clean sweep. This will give tremendous boost to Pakistan cricket. "Experimenting" doesn't really work because you give the impression you are not trying to play your best. Experimentation must be "live". I can't imagine the Australians to even think along these lines. Their philosophy has always been to "put pressure from the 1st ball of the FIRST match to the last ball of the LAST match". Do not forget that in recent history, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka have lost each and every test in Australia, and, usually by big margins. Taking an aggressive approach, Pakistan may lose some matches. So be it. The Australians lose too; but look at their win/loss ratio. The Australians have players of immense skills and staying power,true; but what they have in abundance is aggressive intent, of mind and effort. Inshallah Pakistan will start winning in Australia and South Africa too, after beating India in the final ODI as well.

POSTED BY
Engr.TahirShah
on | January 5, 2013, 10:21 GMT

The intensity will nevertheless be at its highest, no matter what combination bother teams play with. If Pakistan even play all the remaining four players of the squad, they'll be extremely eager to produce the same result as the others have. There will be plenty of energy and effort from these guys and with no pressure at all, there is a strong possibility that they may come victorious once more. India on the other hand will be under immense pressure to avoid the humiliating white wash. Every member of the team will feel that pressure and they may not deliver their best under such circumstances, where the opposition is on very high, morale wise. Will be great if both the teams give all their remaining squad members the opportunity to play. All the best both the teams. Play in the true spirit of the game. Can't wait for the start of the game tomorrow.

@Nampally - I am not sure whether to ignore or laugh at your comment. Ok, let's ignore it. By the way that's 4 Test matches and not the 4 Test series where Pujara averaged 87 against England. Cheers

POSTED BY
The_bowlers_Holding
on | January 5, 2013, 23:06 GMT

@Nampally on (January 05 2013, 14:41 PM GMT) "I rate Pujara in the class of Amla, Cook & Clarke in consistency of run getting. He is the next Dravid or Tendulkar of Indian batting" Do you not think you are being a tad previous he has played 9 tests, 7 where in India the 2 in SA had a HS of 19. He looks to have a good technique but did falter against England in the latter half of the series, although the hapless Gambhir did run him out once and he got a stinking decision. A decent test start does not equate to a ODI prospect always, however I agree a steady player is needed in the innings having seen the last 2 batting capitulations, if only we'd had sporting pitches in the test series :(

POSTED BY
AH_USA
on | January 5, 2013, 23:05 GMT

Another weakness of this Indian team has just been exposed with the possibility that Dhoni may not play in the next ODI due of a sore back. No one knows who is going to lead the team in his absence. This shows an utter lack of planning from the most resourceful board in the cricket world, the BCCI. BCCI has been so busy in investing and promoting in T20 that it completely ignored the planning and grooming aspect of its management duties. It seems that BCCI's president is not accountable or answerable to anyone.
While the BCCI has been busy with the "other" stuff, India's fans are screaming and yelling on the way their team has been loosing and nothing is being done on the selection side. I can feel their frustration becaue within a span of a 1 1/2 year, team India has been dragged down from the top to the bottom and no one knows for how long this is going to go on.

POSTED BY
ossie111
on | January 5, 2013, 22:59 GMT

all those pakistani fans wanting to replace misbah must be deluded to think they will change the captain in the middle of the series,

also if it wasnt for misbah, pakistani would have had the confidence to perform this well in india, it was his captaincy against the england test series that started this rise in pakistani cricket

the players can still learn lots from misbah, he should stay as long as the team keeps performing

POSTED BY
NallaBaaba
on | January 5, 2013, 22:55 GMT

Once upon a time ago( 5 years), I saw this young man batting with Tendulkar. His footwork looked awesome and his partnership wtih SRT was amazing, however the same young man who has now been in the Indian team for 5+ years is still is not a permanent member of the team. Selectors have shown faith in him, but he continued to fail. People don't believe he has talent, but there is a reason why many legends call him as talented. 5 years ago, I thought this young man can become a good test player due to the backfoot technique, but he hasn't played a test yet. Now the same young man's technique is poor and he failed to live up the expectations. He never performed consistently, except vs W.I and 13 runs in 5 innings vs S.L pathetic bowling atttack made it worse. However, I always believed he is a good test player, but not a good ODI/T20 player, but selectors keep picking in ODI team. Now that he failed. I don't think he will every play 4 india again. SAD, but true. R.I.P Rohit Sharma

POSTED BY
basusri133b
on | January 5, 2013, 22:50 GMT

Where the hell did Dinesh Karthik come out from?

No doubt another rabbit out of the hat trick by BCCI President Srinivasan.
This is how Indian cricket is getting shafted. It is inconceivable that Karthik is the best replacement Keeper we could come up with should Dhoni be unable to play this afternoon. What happened to Saha, Gautam, Parthiv Patel ?

The BCCI is currently presiding over the demise of Indian Cricket. RIP

POSTED BY
Albert_cambell
on | January 5, 2013, 22:49 GMT

Pakistan are wasting their time playing with this substandard team. They should play more matches with Aus,SA,Eng and India should play international matches with associates since they cant play competitive cricket. They should play for the intercontinental cup from now on.

POSTED BY
NasserAliKhan
on | January 5, 2013, 15:59 GMT

Pakistan should go for the kill and try utmost for a clean sweep. This will give tremendous boost to Pakistan cricket. "Experimenting" doesn't really work because you give the impression you are not trying to play your best. Experimentation must be "live". I can't imagine the Australians to even think along these lines. Their philosophy has always been to "put pressure from the 1st ball of the FIRST match to the last ball of the LAST match". Do not forget that in recent history, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka have lost each and every test in Australia, and, usually by big margins. Taking an aggressive approach, Pakistan may lose some matches. So be it. The Australians lose too; but look at their win/loss ratio. The Australians have players of immense skills and staying power,true; but what they have in abundance is aggressive intent, of mind and effort. Inshallah Pakistan will start winning in Australia and South Africa too, after beating India in the final ODI as well.

POSTED BY
Engr.TahirShah
on | January 5, 2013, 10:21 GMT

The intensity will nevertheless be at its highest, no matter what combination bother teams play with. If Pakistan even play all the remaining four players of the squad, they'll be extremely eager to produce the same result as the others have. There will be plenty of energy and effort from these guys and with no pressure at all, there is a strong possibility that they may come victorious once more. India on the other hand will be under immense pressure to avoid the humiliating white wash. Every member of the team will feel that pressure and they may not deliver their best under such circumstances, where the opposition is on very high, morale wise. Will be great if both the teams give all their remaining squad members the opportunity to play. All the best both the teams. Play in the true spirit of the game. Can't wait for the start of the game tomorrow.

@Nampally - I am not sure whether to ignore or laugh at your comment. Ok, let's ignore it. By the way that's 4 Test matches and not the 4 Test series where Pujara averaged 87 against England. Cheers

POSTED BY
The_bowlers_Holding
on | January 5, 2013, 23:06 GMT

@Nampally on (January 05 2013, 14:41 PM GMT) "I rate Pujara in the class of Amla, Cook & Clarke in consistency of run getting. He is the next Dravid or Tendulkar of Indian batting" Do you not think you are being a tad previous he has played 9 tests, 7 where in India the 2 in SA had a HS of 19. He looks to have a good technique but did falter against England in the latter half of the series, although the hapless Gambhir did run him out once and he got a stinking decision. A decent test start does not equate to a ODI prospect always, however I agree a steady player is needed in the innings having seen the last 2 batting capitulations, if only we'd had sporting pitches in the test series :(

POSTED BY
AH_USA
on | January 5, 2013, 23:05 GMT

Another weakness of this Indian team has just been exposed with the possibility that Dhoni may not play in the next ODI due of a sore back. No one knows who is going to lead the team in his absence. This shows an utter lack of planning from the most resourceful board in the cricket world, the BCCI. BCCI has been so busy in investing and promoting in T20 that it completely ignored the planning and grooming aspect of its management duties. It seems that BCCI's president is not accountable or answerable to anyone.
While the BCCI has been busy with the "other" stuff, India's fans are screaming and yelling on the way their team has been loosing and nothing is being done on the selection side. I can feel their frustration becaue within a span of a 1 1/2 year, team India has been dragged down from the top to the bottom and no one knows for how long this is going to go on.

POSTED BY
ossie111
on | January 5, 2013, 22:59 GMT

all those pakistani fans wanting to replace misbah must be deluded to think they will change the captain in the middle of the series,

also if it wasnt for misbah, pakistani would have had the confidence to perform this well in india, it was his captaincy against the england test series that started this rise in pakistani cricket

the players can still learn lots from misbah, he should stay as long as the team keeps performing

POSTED BY
NallaBaaba
on | January 5, 2013, 22:55 GMT

Once upon a time ago( 5 years), I saw this young man batting with Tendulkar. His footwork looked awesome and his partnership wtih SRT was amazing, however the same young man who has now been in the Indian team for 5+ years is still is not a permanent member of the team. Selectors have shown faith in him, but he continued to fail. People don't believe he has talent, but there is a reason why many legends call him as talented. 5 years ago, I thought this young man can become a good test player due to the backfoot technique, but he hasn't played a test yet. Now the same young man's technique is poor and he failed to live up the expectations. He never performed consistently, except vs W.I and 13 runs in 5 innings vs S.L pathetic bowling atttack made it worse. However, I always believed he is a good test player, but not a good ODI/T20 player, but selectors keep picking in ODI team. Now that he failed. I don't think he will every play 4 india again. SAD, but true. R.I.P Rohit Sharma

POSTED BY
basusri133b
on | January 5, 2013, 22:50 GMT

Where the hell did Dinesh Karthik come out from?

No doubt another rabbit out of the hat trick by BCCI President Srinivasan.
This is how Indian cricket is getting shafted. It is inconceivable that Karthik is the best replacement Keeper we could come up with should Dhoni be unable to play this afternoon. What happened to Saha, Gautam, Parthiv Patel ?

The BCCI is currently presiding over the demise of Indian Cricket. RIP

POSTED BY
Albert_cambell
on | January 5, 2013, 22:49 GMT

Pakistan are wasting their time playing with this substandard team. They should play more matches with Aus,SA,Eng and India should play international matches with associates since they cant play competitive cricket. They should play for the intercontinental cup from now on.

HI, The indian batsman are getting afraid from pakistan fast bowlers..the major x factor is their age which has weakened their footwork very badly. India need young blood who inject the energy in dying indian batting setup.due to IPL their ist nd 2nd line up has lost the hunger to score...

POSTED BY
uzyaz
on | January 5, 2013, 20:50 GMT

@ Nampally, one last thing with all the success that Jamshed has had his way none of us Pakistani fans rank him alongside Amla, Clarke, Tendulkar, Ponting, Lara and the likes, because we understand despite all his talent he has to prove it again and again before he can be mentioned with the greats. However Indian fans are overboard already with Pujara. One good innings and you think he is a superstar. We Pakistani's made that mistake a few times with Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad and they could not live up to it. Learn from us and leave Pujara to prove himself for atleast 2-3 years consistently before you even mention Amla and Pujara in the same sentence ever again

POSTED BY
sinhasurajit
on | January 5, 2013, 20:46 GMT

Dhoni cannot do much. If you give this bunch of jockers to any captain with non interested Fletcher as coach they will loose. I donot understand why Sewag and gambhir are still part of the team??? If Harbhajan, Zahir can be kicked out why not these two worthless players. May be because of political pressure (Delhi). Anything is possible in India.These two are shame in the name of nation.

POSTED BY
uzyaz
on | January 5, 2013, 20:45 GMT

@ Nampally. You must be dreaming about Sehwag staying on crease for 15 overs. He can barely survive 15 deliveries against quality seam bowling. Yuvraj can play spin well and Pakistan knows that quite well so expect pace bowling when Yuvraj heads out. Nasir Jamshed may not be a wonder boy, but against the garbage bowling attack of India, he is nothing short of a wonder. 3 consecutive hundreds against India, you better consider him a wonder boy and plan for him otherwise prepare for a fourth one. I'm surprised at Indian fans still in denial about the state Indian team has been ever since they won the world cup. As a fan of cricket on a whole I would like to see Indian cricket fans stick their heads out of past glories and work towards future of their cricket.

POSTED BY
Khalid_Masood_Khan
on | January 5, 2013, 20:14 GMT

Now it's for India to announce when their team is visiting Pakistan!

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 19:42 GMT

I think pakistan need to work on thei'r batting you need to have the best team wherever they are. I would drop azhar ali and misbah make hafeez one day captain, because of misbah pakistan lost 2011 world cup semi against india by playing negative, for one day you need a good strike rate misbah is slow, he is a test player. Ahmed shazad has got to be in one day team

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 19:31 GMT

leave umer akmal no place for him in odi ss he has no sense how to utilize a big inning, pak should play with the same team as not a good idea to change the winning combination.

POSTED BY
jaffers1
on | January 5, 2013, 19:16 GMT

@Capt.Game. Perhaps you do not understand cricket nor has any insight. Dhoni's pumped up average of 52 is because he comes down late in batting and often remains not out. Thus over a number of matches this mis-represents the actual situation. Then there is that theory. Shall I repeat that too. Go look for yourself.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 18:03 GMT

I hope that Misbah sits out as a Captain and give Umar Akmal a chance, similarly Irfan and Umar Gul should sit out and give chance to Wahab Riaz and Anwar Ali, Azahar Ali should be out of the team and let Harris Sohail have a go. I sure Pakistan Bench is capable of defeating India.

The new kids should be given a chance here at this level rest Azhar, Younis & Umar Gul. K Akmal should leave the spot for his brother as the wk/batsman. Ciao...

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 17:43 GMT

We will be watching some Pakiwash tonight lol hahaha i'm lovin it

POSTED BY
wolf777
on | January 5, 2013, 17:34 GMT

Dinesh Karthik? On what basis? Gautam and Parthiv Patel as number 1 and 2 are at the top of Ranji Trophy's top run scorer's list. Aditya Tare at number 19th is also way ahead of Karthik who is 31st on the list. Robin Utthapa can also keep the wicket and is a much better batsman. Why Dinesh Karthik? I smell a rat here…

POSTED BY
crzcric
on | January 5, 2013, 17:31 GMT

what cold india ?????LOL .I say shivering india.come on pak. make it 3-0.they always expect to whitewash other team.but they are team always get whitewashed against quality oppositions.Thrash the OVERRATED TEAM.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 17:13 GMT

This umar akmal and malik ,are avg. players and should be rested for whole life, however umar may be considered in t20s . They will be total failure in Sa tour, which is the biggest test for pakistan ,misba should retire from odi, but Azar ,should be retsined in odi,as he is a sound bztsman. Moreover when chin music will be at epitome ,in SA, the avg. guys like malik and umer will be destroyed in deep gloam, so their place should be reconsidered ,before going to SA.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 17:11 GMT

Its upto Mibah now whether he wants to cash the moment by retiring and get huge respect and honor OR he wants to wait for selectors to through him in the trash. I appreciate indians for showing their courage of making sporting wickets otherwise the bating line Pakistan selected is not capable of scoring any thing over 300 even on the flatest wicket.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 17:10 GMT

umar akmal should be in for azhar ali.

POSTED BY
juned.jamshed
on | January 5, 2013, 16:46 GMT

Haris sohail, umar akmal and anwar ali should be given chance against azhar ali, shoaib malik and muhammad irfan...

POSTED BY
ReverseSwingMaster
on | January 5, 2013, 16:38 GMT

I would love to make few changes. HARIS SOHAIL for AZHAR ALI, UMAR AKMAL for YOUNUS KHAN, WAHAB RIAZ for GUL, ANWAR ALI for IRFAN.

PAKISTAN must give a chance to Haris Sohail instead of Azhar, Anwar Ali instead of Irfan and Zulfiqar Baber instead of Said Ajmal.

POSTED BY
Nampally
on | January 5, 2013, 16:23 GMT

@AHEAD: 1. You never know India might encounter a flat pitch 2. If 12 to 15 overs are dealt with no lost wkts., India has guys like Yuvraj & Dhoni to deal with spinners. Also If Sehwag does stay at the crease for 15 overs, expect 70 runs off his bat. He can swing the game around. 3. Pakistan openers are No wonder Boys. They can fail just as easily as Sehwag & Gambhir have been failing. This is a game of Cricket. Anything can happen. The problem with the Indian Team is Insane Selectors! They excluded the one shinning Star - Pujara - from this side for the reasons best known to them. Pujara averaged 87 in 4 Test series vs. England. He could have made the difference between WIN & LOSS. I rate Pujara in the class of Amla, Cook & Clarke in consistency of run getting. He is the next Dravid or Tendulkar of Indian batting.

I do not understand the minds of our nation. Umar Akmal is the best batsmen in last 3 years for Pakistan check the stats.
http://www.relianceiccrankings.com/ranking/odi/batting/
he is top ranked odi pakistan player on rank 13. next best player is misbah and he is on 26 , 13 positions away.

Also he is best batsmen of last 3 years with avg. 37 and s.r. 83
http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=runs;player_involve=53546;spanmax1=05+Jan+2013;spanmin1=05+Jan+2010;spanval1=span;team=7;template=results;type=batting
also he is in top 3 batsmen in last 2 years with avg of 39 and s.r 85 (highest in pak)
http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=runs;player_involve=53546;spanmax2=05+Jan+2013;spanmin2=05+Jan+2011;spanval2=span;team=7;template=results;type=batting

POSTED BY
Desihungama
on | January 5, 2013, 16:02 GMT

No mention of Afridi? Wow, I am surprised. And Kamran Akmal redeeming himself in the same match? That's unbelievable. Get new lads in for next game Anwar Ali and Harris. Seems like Tendulkar had gelled Indian Team and the Dressing Room for the last two decades and we are witnessing it crumbling since his departure. Dhoni as a Captain needs to step up and address this to the dressing room. Ishant has been very impressive so far. Hoping to see a cracker of match. Good luck to both teams. Go Pak.

POSTED BY
dontlikecricket
on | January 5, 2013, 16:02 GMT

I know many Pak fans dont like Misbah in the team, however he brings stability and cool head in the team. The results in the Tests and now in one day shows. I believe he can still play for one and may be two more years. He is a good captain and that's what Pak needs at this stage. Past few years until 2010 is good example when Pak cricket was full of infighting and instability. Hafeez will be a good future captian especailly in one day but i think he needs more time to develop his own game and does not need added pressure of being a captin at this stage. Umat Akmal should be asked to score few big centureis in first class before beign considered again. Dropping him for a year or two may make him want to take it more seriously and improve his attitude.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 15:49 GMT

All those criticizing umar akmal clearly do not follow cricket closely... Guys please gather some facts before you start talking about his temperament his technique virata kohli bla bla bla...
Umar akmal is the only pak batsman that comes in the top 15 rankings of batsmen...
you complain he doesnt play big innings well may be becauseeeee he comes at no.6 when pak is mostly in a critical situation or the overs remaining are probably 5 to 10 and they want him to hit sixes after misbah has finished his TUK TUK...
lastly guys at least umar akmal has still scored a century at no.6 whereas our captain who comes at no 4 still hasnt managed to score one!
oh and yeah virat kohli has been given respect and trust by sending him a no.3 whereas we keep umar akmal at no.6 so that he comes in the end where we need sixes run rate required probably 8 or 10 an over and then we want him to score as many runs as kohli wow...

POSTED BY
VickGower
on | January 5, 2013, 15:46 GMT

I don't think there is another article I have disagreed with more in all the years I have followed cricket. First of all, nothing is more unseemly in an article than a litany of accusations focused on one player in a team sport. But especially, when that player is pretty much the only performing player in the team. It makes no sense to accuse a captain of defensive play or poor tactics when he has no functioning unit. I mean, height of ignorance to blame the captain for being uncertain when he does not have ONE batsman who can consistently bat, not ONE bowler who can bowl. The only thing this team has in test cricket is one of the world's best wicketkeepers, and the only thing in ODI at this time is Dhoni the keeper batsman. Whether it is funny, or tragic, I do not know. But stunning, this mindless punching of Dhoni.

POSTED BY
AHFAD
on | January 5, 2013, 15:45 GMT

@@Nampally

1. Indian's top 5 will click only if the pitch is flat.

2. Won't lose wickets in first 12-15 overs? How would you handle Pak spinners?

INDIA what happened?? Looks like the world champions are about to be WHITEWASHED!! hahaha you guys don't deserve to hold the championship title..you never did!! I am loving the fact that just like an Ordinary team, India is loosing it all in their home!! YES ORDINARY TEAM!

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 15:38 GMT

being Indian a don't mind at all losing this match. For all his talents, sehwag and rohit have not performed at all and don't have the willingness to perform too. about gambhir, India will need him now. 3 seniors now in the side gambhir, dhoni and yuvraj and India needs them to help the young talented batsmen like pujara, kohli, rahane, rayadu. I hope ashwin the batsmen becomes stronger and he finds form with the ball. his fielding has improved, I am glad. I also hope that umesh yadav, varun aaron, irfan pathan get fit again. India needs services of umesh and irfan. Jadeja for all his talent is a test material. sreesanth the tormentor is fit and raring to go.

with only 4 people more than 27 years, this team if finds form can go on to become the no. 1 team.

POSTED BY
AHFAD
on | January 5, 2013, 15:36 GMT

Mizbah supporters. Please understand that his performance is declining as he gets older. Also don't remind about his batting average. All the lower order batsmen usually have better average. Yes. He may be a good captain but to be a captain you should be fit and a consistent performer. Which he is not. He is pedestrain on field. Running between wicket is awful. Can't take simple catches.

Its no surprise that most of the ex-cricketer from Pakistan call him the luckiest captain ever.

Its high time for him to say good-by to ODI. Because his performance will get worser as he gets older. Can't fight the age. Look at Tendulkar, Ponting or Shewag.

We shouldn't be emotional like Indian supporters. Accept the fact and act wisely.

POSTED BY
Nampally
on | January 5, 2013, 15:20 GMT

The Indian Selectors have challenged Einstien's definition of Insanity again - "Repeating the same Mistakes but expecting different Results". Indian Top 5 is ill equiped to play good seamers & first 2 ODI's has proven it unequivocally. Dhoni should shuffle his batting order. Sehwag & Gambhir have failed badly so at least Gambhir should be replaced by Rahane or Vijay. Let Kohli, Karthik & Ashwin bat 3,4,5. 2 new balls - one from each end makes the first 12 overs tough. If the openers can keep their wkts. in tact for 12 to 15 overs, then India has a fair chance of a good score. That is the Key. Dhoni, Yuvi can bat 6 & &. Secondly Pakistan despite its weak batting have scored heavily. If India can break the openers early, they may have some chance of getting Pakistan total down to 200. These are the only 2 scenarios for Indian win - Indian top 5 click +Pakistani openers fail. Different batting order might also help with Karthik moving up & Ashwin better able to cope with the seamers.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 15:04 GMT

Pakistan should go for kill, and should beat India 3-0. There should be some changes as well. Replace Azhar Ali with Umar Akmal, younas Khan though in fine touch, but to just give a game to promising and elegant batsman Haris Sohail should be rested as well. Shoaib Malik should bat at no 4.

POSTED BY
romirom
on | January 5, 2013, 15:03 GMT

haris sohail must have to give a go in last match. He is the another left hand future prospect for pak. and umar akmal aswell. Everybody talking about umar akmal don't have patient to play long innings. but see his record. he is the top batsman ranked in icc ranking from current pak bating line up. Ranking surely suggest that among pak batsman he is the best performer in recent past. He will improve with his experience. hope selector understand it and play him next match. Azhar ali don't know what he was trying in last 2 odi. he is pure test material. who took lot of balls to score runs. he is techiniqually sound batsman but not for shorter format. he needs to proof him in domestic leval first for playing in odi by scoring quicks 100s. other wise keep his as a test specialist. dont spoil his technique by playing him in odi. if he try to paly odi then he wll forgot how to bat in test...

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 15:02 GMT

For all Misbah Critics..if you look at his stats compare to Hafeez they are still better in all formats .I can understand the fact that he is in late 30s,but in Test and ODI u need a maturity and cool head. T20 is Cricketainment only.Even though Pakistan is winning but I was not impressed by the way Hafeez gave away his wicket in 2nd ODI.
Umar Akmal MUST keep the bench warm for the next ODI ,no doubt he is a talent but international cricket requires Talent as well as brain to be .
Anwar Ali will be in the next match surely..

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 15:00 GMT

i agreed with Sidharth Monga about Azhar Ali place in this side coz of Asad Shafiq injury Sidharth Monga how could u even doubt misbah place in this team when u have a average of almost 43 prior to this series totally unfair with Misbah and his achievements and man management inside the team dressing room u can not deny with that he had managed the team well during this testing time for pakistan cricket

POSTED BY
WickyRoy.paklover
on | January 5, 2013, 14:55 GMT

Well pak iz playing in 2013 not in 1970,we R better OF having averages in high 30s but 90+ strike rate rather than players having avrages in high 40s but wid pathetic strike rates ranging btwen 60 to 75 which iz not acceptable at all

POSTED BY
WickyRoy.paklover
on | January 5, 2013, 14:48 GMT

Well pak iz playing in 2013 not in 1970,we R better OF having averages in high 30s but 90+ strike rate rather than players having avrages in high 40s but wid pathetic strike rates ranging btwen 60 to 75 which iz not acceptable at all

POSTED BY
Nampally
on | January 5, 2013, 14:41 GMT

Without Pujara in the batting line up, Indian batting has no backbone. The 3rd ODI vs. Pakistan is lost even before a ball is bowled due to putting the same Losers from first 2 ODI's again. Will India face England in the ODI's without Pujara? If that is the case India might as well concede the ODI series to England. Secondly, India has to plan 5 regular bowlers- 3 seamers + 2 spinners- all economical, if they stand any chance of being competitive. The so called "All Rounders" in the side are contributing "all round Zeros" both in Batting & Bowling. Go with 5 specialist bats + wk/Batsman +5 specialist Bowlers. If Sehwag & Gambhir are past their "best before date" bring in New & more enthusiastic openers. Rehane & Mukund are quite capable openers. Pujara, Kohli & Tiwary/Raina are 3 middle order batsmen. Ishant, Yadev & Sreesanth 3 seamers, Ashwin & Nadeem 2 spinners. This team represents the future Indian XI rather than playing a bunch of Losers with no gumption or skills on the field.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 14:11 GMT

The only change pakistan should make is to give M.Irfan a rest. Keep Azhar Ali he is fine and more technically correct than the rest(Umar Akmal is only a T20 cricketer and has not grown temprementally despite countless opportunities, once he grows a brain give him another chance)

Too many changes arnt needed because pakistan should be going for the kill 3-0 and finish on a high. They should not ease up on the indians this is a great opportunity to make history.

On a positive note was Kamran Akmal on steroids, ive never seen him keep like this.i suppose he had to do something given that he threw his wicket away.

Hafees should be the captain and Asad Shafique should be replacing Misbah who isnt even techniqually correct.Pakistans batting weakness isnt getting exposed on indian wickets but dont be surprised if it is in S.A against quality attack on good tracks. (Misbah, younis khan and shoaibu will all suffer)

p.s im glad they left out Afridi, his career is over

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 14:09 GMT

I think PAK should make few changes for 3rd ODI.
1. Rest Irfan and play with Asad or Wahab.
2. Younas should be at No.3 and Azhar at No.4. I donot agree with the opinion that Azhar should be left bcoz he is a very good batsman.
3. Misbah should announce retirment after 3rd ODI and Umar Akmal/Asad Shafique should replace him.

My guess, Karthik will replace Yuvi and take gloves, Dhoni remains captain and play at 4. Bowling sorry to say, But selection pannel should have done more. Its an toothless attack. Ishanth has talent but has to bowl good areas with plan. Unmesh is good though he goes for runs.

POSTED BY
phunny_game
on | January 5, 2013, 13:09 GMT

I cant understand the call for dropping gambhir... Tests are a diffrnt format but what has he done wrong in ODI's??? And what has sehwag done... He may get a 200 in an innings but what about the next 20 innings... Gambhir is far more reliable and equally destructive when fluent. If rahane should replace someone, its sehwag not gambhir...

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 12:49 GMT

It isn't easy for selectors in India as its a real big emotional script when it comes to the Indian Cricket Team. I truly think that both the Indian openers should be dropped, MSD should definitely bat up the order as he did in the WC final. We need to generate fast bowlers and the academy should be getting more and more fast bowlers prepared for the future. Look at England, SA, Australia, Pakistan and even New Zealand, they have atleast 2 good fast bowlers or even more. I think the Indian team for tomorrow's game should be as follows:

This team possesses a lot more balance with two frontline spinners. Youth which provide better fielding and MS Dhoni gets a chance to bat at the top of the order with less pressure in scoring runs and posting a good total/chasing one as he has Yuvraj,Raina, Ashwin and Mishra to follow if there is a batting collapse.

POSTED BY
T.R.GHANCHI
on | January 5, 2013, 12:48 GMT

For God Sake Pakistan, please give chance to the young players on the bench.
I would play Harris Sohail, Wahab Riaz, Anwar Ali, Zulfiqar Baber and rest the useless MISBAH, Irfan Muhammad,Omer Gul and Saeed Ajmal. Make Hafeez the captain. Give these young boys some exposure since you want players for South Africa tour and this is the reason why they should rest gul,irfan and ajmal.

Whats the worse that can happen? Pakistan will lose? I doubt that !

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 12:47 GMT

@ mainul079080 are you in your senses how can you compare a player like umar akmalwith rohit or ashraful. just check umar akmal stats before saying anything. umar akmal average is 38 wheras averages of rhit and your ashraful is 30 and 22 respectively. he bat at no 6 and still his average is higher than malik younis and asad who bats at higher number than him. he performed in every critical situation.he is pakistan only batsman in top 15 and it is pity that he still not in the team. in his last outings in t20 wc and against australia series, he was most consistent batsman of pakistan. bangladesh whole batting line up canot even compare with umar akmal. cricinfo plz plz publish my comments

Now Hafeez has proved in T20 That he might be a good captain for odi as well
so that i am requesting now Misball ul haq please go to the test side play ball as much you want stay there in test do come to odi plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
this series has not won by our experience players but by the youngest blood we have in our side.

POSTED BY
aslamPK
on | January 5, 2013, 12:36 GMT

@sachin fans, Even being a Pakistani, I believe the future of sachin is.It is in best interest of India to give chance to pujara/rehane. Even i think the future of sehwag is over.

POSTED BY
WickyRoy.paklover
on | January 5, 2013, 12:35 GMT

Regarding Azhar ali,he has got an excellent temperament to how to negotiate bowling under testing circumstances but in terms of having an agresive mentality n talent to manufacture big shots,he iz not half as gud as umar akmal.I AGREE UMAR HAV NOT DONE JUSTICE TO HIS TALENT BUT he is stil very young n Stil have an excelent record,he has no competition wid asad,azhar but one day haris or baber might challeng him,i m eagerly waiting 4 that moment as i dearly want haris,shahzad,salahudin,babar to b playing in forceable future.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 12:35 GMT

@ mainul079080 are you in your senses how can you compare a player like umar akmalwith rohit or ashraful. just check umar akmal stats before saying anything. umar akmal average is 38 wheras averages of rhit and your ashraful is 30 and 22 respectively. he bat at no 6 and still his average is higher than malik younis and asad who bats at higher number than him. he performed in every critical situation.he is pakistan only batsman in top 15 and it is pity that he still not in the team. in his last outings in t20 wc and against australia series, he was most consistent batsman of pakistan. bangladesh whole batting line up canot even compare with umar akmal. cricinfo plz plz publish my comments

POSTED BY
Fezz
on | January 5, 2013, 12:31 GMT

I can't fathom why we Pakistanis are so much in favour of playing Umar Akmal. He has failed and disappointed again and again. He deoesn't know whether to attack or defend. He doesn't know how to build a long innings. After a long time (or may be the first time) Pakistan selectors and management are doing the right thing, and not selecting players on the basis of theri name. And now we fans want to do them the opposite. We just want to see flashy players who score 12 runs on 8 balls and give their wicket away. Azhar Ali has played well in the past and deserves more chances. Umar Akmal needs to score a few centuries in the domestic cricket before being considered for national selection. End of.

POSTED BY
WickyRoy.paklover
on | January 5, 2013, 12:28 GMT

Regarding Azhar ali,he has got an excellent temperament to how to negotiate bowling under testing circumstances but in terms of having an agresive mentality n talent to manufacture big shots,he iz not half as gud as umar akmal.I AGREE UMAR HAV NOT DONE JUSTICE TO HIS TALENT BUT he is stil very young n Stil have an excelent record,he has no competition wid asad,azhar but one day haris or baber might challeng him,i m eagerly waiting 4 that moment as i dearly want haris,shahzad,salahudin,babar to b playing in forceable future.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 11:55 GMT

Dropping Viru and Gambhir will only compound india's problem...Its not funny to leave out of some one of sehwags caliber who has single handedly won many matches for india. we really need to back him and without him i cannot see a player who can give the blazing starts to our team..if you drop him why not drop all the top 5 who have been worse ....

I would like to see Sachin tendulkar back in blue t-shirt. He is the one who can give strength to Indian batting. I don't know why he don't get a chance to get resign from ground? even we don`t have any option or replacement of Sachin? Dhoni needs to give answer that why he won`t select Sachin for Ind -pak match. Which player from Yangistan? are they that much capable to take place of Sachin if yes then why we lost? Lost against pakistan means a lots...

POSTED BY
Stark62
on | January 5, 2013, 11:08 GMT

"Perhaps they have both Azhar and Misbah as emergency back-up when the more attacking batsmen fail". Who are these attacking batsmen?!?! Hafeez and Nasir aren't attacking but they do like to get on with it, Younis is another Azhar and Misbah, whilst Malik is a re-builder of an innings. Only Kamran is a purely aggressive batsmen in the line up, hence Ind should have prepared docile pitches to combat the sluggish batting line up of Pak.

It's high time the selectors dropped Sehwag, Gambhir, Rohit, Ashwin and Jadeja. Bring in Pujara, Stuart Binny, Rayudu, Pandey and Ojha. Dhoni may have just saved himself from being axed with that century in the first ODI.

POSTED BY
solefight
on | January 5, 2013, 11:02 GMT

Three Major changes :
- Rahane for Gambhir
- Ahmed for Dinda
- Dhoni to bat at Number # 4 to be followed by Yuvraj, Raina, Jadeja, Ashwin,
- Give 2-3 overs to Sehwag.

I remember in the 1999 test series against india, pakistan won 2 test matches in Chennai and kolkata and lost the one in delhi. I wonder if this series is going to turn out the same way

POSTED BY
SanjivAwesome
on | January 5, 2013, 10:56 GMT

India selectors should continue with the under performing seniors. Why blemish a perfect zero record?

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 10:54 GMT

I think Umar Akmal is far better then Azhar Ali in ODIs, even if he is out of farm. So Umar must be given a chance in the final ODI

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 10:51 GMT

No doubt India needs changes & replacement for upcoming WC 2012.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 10:51 GMT

2 ruthless fast bowlers is required for India big time.

POSTED BY
Fy77
on | January 5, 2013, 10:45 GMT

Pakistan need to go for clean sweep as Indian were under lot of pressure right now.
Haris Sohail should replaced with Azer Ali and Wahaib Raiz or Anwer Ali for M. Irfan.

ON MSD

I am big fan of MS Dohni.He is truly a match winner and great man to have in a side so I don't want him to replace as Indian caption.If Indian did mind my words Indian team will suffer a lot.So pls give him a space.

POSTED BY
mainul079080
on | January 5, 2013, 10:34 GMT

Umar Akmal has been given enough chances like Rohit Sharma. But he failed to prove his value in the team. He is neither a sheet anchor nor a consistent hitter or a match winner at all. He is like Md Ashraful of BD. He was called once upon a time a very talented player( i always believed the opposite though). But he never proved that in practical. Now there is no place of him in BD team as we have lots of capable batsmen better than him. BD realized its wrong conception about Ashraful but late though. Pakistan should realize it about Akmal brothers early. Now its time to try Haris Sohail/Fawad Alam,/ Usman Salauddin, /Babar Azam a long run in the team. Also Kamran Akmal should be replaced.

My Pakistani team for the next ODI will be:-
1-M.Hafeez,2-N.Jamshed,3-U.Akmal,4-Y.Khan,5-H.Sohail,6-S.Malik,7-K.Akmal,8-W.Riaz,9-J.Khan,10-A.Ali,11-S.Ajmal.
NOTE:::
-Hafeez should be the captain(MISBAH RESTED,should take retirement now with respect as he has won a series in India!)
-Azhar Ali can't be played in the ODI side as long as Y.Khan or Misbah are playing and with especially Akmal in the squad.
-Haris Sohail should be given a game to see whether he can play.And please don't drop him if he fails once!
-GUL,IRFAN rested to check the capability of bench strength.
By the way,Irfan can't play ODIs unless he is 100% fit otherwise he will be another Akhter for you.
SELECTION BASED ON MY OPINION!!!

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 10:31 GMT

Its the best of times for Misbah to announce his retirement from one day format.
Hafeez can handle the captaincy role and Umer akmal should be back for Azhar Ali
with a new face for Misbah until Asad shafif's availability! Irfan should be given
a rest and try Anwar Ali who can contribute a bit with the bat aswell. Wahab Riaz
has to developpe the inswinger, with his pace he will be a stronge contender in the
SA series...

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 10:30 GMT

India needs to win tomorrow desperately... Sehwag should be dropped and rahane must open the innings with gambhir.. if gambhir fails tomorrow, he should be dropped also. let dhoni bat at no: 4. We should start building team for 2015 wc.
my X1 tomorrow will be
rahane, gambhir (perform or perish), kohli, dhoni, raina, yuvraj, ashwin, jadeja,dinda,ishant and b.kumar

POSTED BY
shahbazhussain
on | January 5, 2013, 10:30 GMT

I wonder, why every article reflects it was written by an indian? I mean every article starts with giving summary of history about indian losses... That's really not a good way to write something and keep revisiting the old stuff. Guys just take this as part of sports. When somebody wins there somebody also taste the loss. In contrast to india Pak made all 4 semis in T20, 5 semis in ODIs and also lost many curicial matches against all. So why we keep repeating the losses? The best thing we do with the losses we witness one day and forget the other. Its game. Its sports. Its for your enjoyment not for having heartattack. Indians plus come out of that mentality. You should accept cricket as sports, team india as a team for your enjoyment even enjoy on their defeats. You have to be positive. To criticise on players, who should play and who should not, its job of the selectors not ours. I believe every country selects the best possible talent for the playing XI.

POSTED BY
farhan4050
on | January 5, 2013, 10:24 GMT

We should experience the players on the benches as we have a tough tour in Feb and we've already nailed the series.

Azhar Ali is one of the best players in the current era, but he doesn't have the ODI material. He likes to spend time on the crease. His average was outstanding in the ODI's before this tour but the strike rate was poor.
On the other hand, taking nothing away from Irfan, He's real good, I'd want Anwar Ali to get a chance ahead of the SA tour. He could be really useful there as he swings the ball both ways.

Anyways, Best of luck both teams. May the best team win. kidding lol, May Pakistan win InshAllah.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 10:22 GMT

Pakistan should given chance to Anwar Ali, Haris Sohail and Wahab Riaz.

POSTED BY
show.stopper
on | January 5, 2013, 10:20 GMT

Pakistan Should try Haris sohail in for Azhar ali....haris is a left handed batsman who is performing very well in domestic.....pak lack a left hander in ther middle other

The only way India can defeat Pakistan is by batting first and somehow manage to score over 300 plus.That itself would be a Himalayan task going by the form of our Batsmen....but if they are able to do so then historically we know Pakistan batting collapses under pressure.So for me this is the only way out.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 10:09 GMT

I hope India comes good in this match and for the England series.. You can't blame captain for the failure. I think INDIA will come back hard to prove there worth... WHATEVER THE SITUATION WE WILL SUPPORT YOU.... COMMON INDIA...........

POSTED BY
Nivin_1994
on | January 5, 2013, 9:47 GMT

Dhoni should bat at no.3 and don't bring "the best batsman in nets" rohit in the team,he has given enough oppurtunities.i don't know why the selectors forgot some talented players in the past like utthapa,munaf patel,rp singh,aaron,yusuf.they are far better than rohit,dinda,vinay kumar or otherwise bring manoj tiwary,pujara,manish pandey in the side.including rohit in the side is utter waste.he is talented but not at all good for international matches.rohit scored his two centuries against zimbabwe and not against big nations.so give him enough time to practice in nets.sehwag or gambir should replaced with rahane.i request the selectors not to show partiality among each and every player in india.losing the series is the mistake commited by selectors and not dhoni.as a captain he is doing his best......

POSTED BY
davidatlas999
on | January 5, 2013, 9:46 GMT

pak need give some chance to young player umer akmal ,haris sohail anwar ali and the spiner zulfiqar if not all then atleast two of them.in place of azhar,younas,irfan or gul and ajmal.Azhar should be replaced no matter what he is to slow and most of them he had some problem in runing he cant score single all he can do dot dot dot and bash for a stroke.when we need run a ball he lack it.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 9:46 GMT

azhar should not be in now. give umar or haris sohail a chance. try anwar for irafan. people asking for misbah to drop. i think he should perform to stay in side but i would like to see him captain for next SA series... reason that it will be difficult series and will be hard for new captain. after that he should be retired. but for this game there should not be wining combination. azhar should be replaced by haris, and anwar to check future aspect.

POSTED BY
Faheem_Imtiaz
on | January 5, 2013, 9:43 GMT

I think keeping in view the near future Pakistan had to make some changes in the team even if it results in the loss- I would recommend for Haris Sohail, Umar Akmal and Anwer Ali to be Given a chance in this match relacing Azhar, Misbah & Umar Gul (Rested). Secondly I think Pakistan need to develop there strengths more giving exposures to Sadaf Hussain & Ehsan Adil both of them can swing the ball at pace! Not many options on the bating side though!!!

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 9:43 GMT

Yes @ dehli there is less chance of match played for full 50 overs, however that should not really matter as we have an undecided t20 series ;) ... i just want to highlight the importance of playing anwar ali and harris sohail in this match, they have been most consistant on domestic circle last two months, we would like to see anwar ali given new ball show us y is he picked for Pakistan against india crucial series, also harris sohail be played instead of azhar ali and if possible resting misbah will not be a bad idea, giving professor exposure, i hope anwar ali and harris sohail play as they really deserve it

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 9:42 GMT

though there is never a dead rubber between these 2 teams, & white wash is a great acheivement but i would say to check bench strength instead of wining combinations. pak should give debut to HARIS SOHAIL in for azhar ali, and rest irfan & bring in Anwar Ali to check how good is he. i think haris can make 5-6 runs like azhar so no worry and yes irfan troubled but didnt get much wickets so try anwar to see how he bowls.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 9:41 GMT

One has to share one's deep concern about the Indian bowling attack.It is clear that Yuvraj is brilliant over four overs and then gradually gets less & less effective as the game lengthens.Ashwin & Ojha struggle with higher competition on regular wickets.There is a case for bringing both Harbhajan & Irfan Pathan back as they are proven performers against tough opponents

POSTED BY
CricketingStargazer
on | January 5, 2013, 9:41 GMT

Trivial point, but the aborted chase in the West Indies was not "last year", it was in 2011, almost 2 years ago now! Wonderful opportunity for Pakistan to win again, obtain the whitewash and continue their slightly stutterng climb (mainly due to lack of activity) since 2010. This Pakistan team will do great things... if they get the games that they need.

POSTED BY
The_Mystery_Ball
on | January 5, 2013, 9:40 GMT

For all those asking that azhar ali should be removed, they must remember that he is more than capable of scoring at a fast rate. His innings during the Srilanka tour where he scored a couple of nineties, came in quick time. All he needs is to survive for two to three overs. He still is a much better prospect than Umar Akmal

Indian team is on back foot now and Pakistan needs to take full advantage of this.A chance to white wash India in thier own backyard is not an easy task.The only thing that can get bigger then this would be to whitewash australia in "Australia". I hope this winning team combination willl do the job .Go green shirts.All the best.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 9:35 GMT

Very decent performance from Pakistan, but with SA tour ahead, our batting needs to fire or we'll suffer there, Azhar Ali is not an ODI player at all, it's Misbah's prefered choice " Defence First", which gains him a chance in this side, we've Haris Sohail who can bat any where in middle order, and after following him for so many years, we know that he'll be parmanent fixture in team, just like Nasir Jamshed, who after performing alot in domestic was kept outside the team and eventually made his place permanent.
Misbah must withdraw from ODI side or better get ready in couple of series time to be dropped by Selectors, thus he'll loose a chance to go out gracefully, as the whole world knows that we have hafeez as backup captain, and some youngsters to take his place in middle order!
Still all the best to team Pakistan! They already have done marvellous, a whitewash in series will be perfect icing on cake!

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 9:31 GMT

Nothing will change in the Indian team. Sehwag will score 50 in Delhi & you will again see him struggling to score runs in 5 ODIs against England.

Batsman is not scoring runs and batsman can't bat are different things; in case of sehwag 2nd one holds true. HE CAN'T BAT. He cant play short pitch deliveries, can't play swinging deliveries, can play 140 plus balls, liability on the field, drop catches, never attempts to restrict risky ones and STILL HE IS CALLED AS A MATCH WINNER who when clicks will make india win. But the he clicks once in 25 innings. A player with very poor ODI batting average against quality bowlers (21 against australia and 27 against south africa) is called One of the biggest MATCH WINNERs & GAME CHANGERs in the current cricket world.

While playing for INDIA, his lines are:"I will play my natural game and will not regret even if I play a bad shot to get out". B4 the start of IPL 2012 he said "In this IPL, I will try to stay at the wicket till 15th over".

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 9:26 GMT

@ lonewarriorram , couldnt agree with you more regarding the best batsman in the nets ..lol

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 9:24 GMT

All cricket lovers, sehwag can not be dropped for his sheer presence v all know that its time for Gautam Gambhir to make way for Rahane, as in the last match his fear and relucntanc agains Junaid was so obvious which force Misbah to overbowl Junaid eventually producing in wicket. I guess of late Gambhir has not looked as a solid opener but very fragile, and for Dhoni lets be honest there's none to replace him in the current Indian Slot. So lets be fair and have patience...It happens.

POSTED BY
dariuscorny
on | January 5, 2013, 9:21 GMT

i feel BCCI gives high priority to IPL,no matter end no. of matches Ind are loosing across formats,what do we expect from players when their employers pay least interest to country' interest.long stint with ipl is causing too many injuries to players ,infecting their technique and temperament.moreover it hasnt helped Ind move further 2nd round of t20 wc's either.We hv gained nothing but lost too much to this IPL.BCCI needs to make right balance between IPL and proper cricket in India,else Team Ind's misery wud refelect on BCCI's supremacy in world cricket,so its in BCCI's interest as well.their shud be huge debate amongst BCCI's top brass comprising former greats for the betterment of Ind cricket and taming IPL.i still IND with a huge population hv a massive talent pool,if they handle it well IND will be stronger than ever in world cricket

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 9:20 GMT

An awesome description of the whole scenario that Indians are up to. It might still not be cold enough in Delhi to overcome the frostiness of the Indian Cricket Team so Indian players are not going to feel the cold at Delhi. On the other hand the chilliness in the Delhi will also not be able to counter the hot and brutal Pakistan Cricket Team. It means no weather worries. However there is going to be lot of Drama on the Cricket field. Unless Pakistan does not start caring about the diplomatic relations with India the Indian team is never going to beat Pakistan. Coming to the game Pakistan should go for the kill and clean sweep the series by playing the full strength side without too much experimentation. however Azhar Ali should be replaced with Harris Sohail and Wahab Riaz should be inducted in the team too!!!!!! Go Green Go

Love the comment: "If India lose in Delhi, all they will have left to cherish is bilateral ODI series in Sri Lanka and the fact that an Indian team is always going to win the IPL."

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 9:07 GMT

ROHIT SHARMA, after spending 6 years in international cricket is still a youngster and would remain same for next 10 years and career of Damien Martyn was over in six years.

POSTED BY
JINNAH0001
on | January 5, 2013, 8:59 GMT

what! misbah cant play the world cup 2015 at the aged 41 (tooo old )........he's hindering the newcomers ......2013 should be the last year for misbah either to perform well or to retire

POSTED BY
100Asraf100
on | January 5, 2013, 8:59 GMT

The Team India's performance is now decreasing day by day and BCCI is responsible for it. Because they locked the door for the Indian players (not only for national players but also other Indian players) to play other countries domestic cricket. They only play in IPL in the multicultural environment in their home. But on the other hand, Pak team play all over the world including BPL, Big bash.... and so and so .... So, this is high time for BCCI to change their wrong decision.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 8:55 GMT

Ideally, both Sehwag & Gambhir need to be dropped. If Rahane is the only decent batsman available, Gambhir is the one who need to be dropped.

If Sehwag strikes form, it will give some sort of relief to face England & Australia. In any case, one more opener need to be groomed in -- could be Kohli, Vijay, or any of the young ones emerging through Ranji matches. This should be done before the England ODI is also lost.

For the middle: If Tiwari is fit, he could come in place of Yuvi. Or, if we don't want to drop Yuvi, Kohli can open with Rahane (dropping both Sehwag & Gambhir), Tiwari filling the vacancy in the middle. In any case, it looks like 3-0 to Pakistan.

POSTED BY
Naresh28
on | January 5, 2013, 8:54 GMT

WHILE PAK FANS REVEL IN VICTORY.........INDIAN FANS HAVE BEEN LET DOWN
BY BCCI and their administration. It's not that there is no talent in India. Too much
and it only needs BCCI to setup a proper structure. The best team needs to be put on field. Maybe the defeats are best for the Indian team at the moment.

if indian cricket team contines to lose by the same manner which they are losing from last 15 months then i m afraid indian cricket will end up in hockey way .

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 8:43 GMT

Misbah should be brave enough to 'rest' himself in the final match. Though I dont think he would

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 8:41 GMT

Keep Rahane in opening and send Ashwin to dressing room and include a pace bowler like Sreesanth and Varun Arron. Dinda is not useful and ishant is not consistent. give some rest to gambhir. Ashwin not gettting wickets and his body language not suitable for fielding.......

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 8:41 GMT

For How long can Indian Team is Depending on Their batsmen to Perform and score over 300 to win them a game.
Indian Bowling is Poor
Not a single match winner in this Bowling
and you guyz are bashing your batsmen who generally wins 90% matches for you

POSTED BY
RaadQ
on | January 5, 2013, 8:28 GMT

Since Pak have won the series, they need to bring in Umar Akmal, Anwar Ali and Wahab Riaz for Azhar Ali, Umar Gul and Mohammad Irfan, to try out these players ahead of the SA tour. Particularly Anwar Ali for Mohammad Irfan, as I have heard Irfan doesn't have the fitness/stamina to play a Test match. Since India have lost the series, they need to rotate in Rahane and someone else for Gambhir and Sehwag, and Dhoni needs to try out moving up the order. India needs to solidify a squad in preparation for WC 2015, and I do not see Sehwag/Gambhir in that squad, no flat tracks this time around.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 8:25 GMT

Team should drop Sehwag and go for Rahane.Rohit shuld replace yUvi...

POSTED BY
ak_dragon
on | January 5, 2013, 8:23 GMT

Well logically this is what happened when players like Dravid,Laxman, Tendulkar gone.Now table is gradually moving towards Kohli, might be future captain but still India is lacking in middle order batting & need genuine fast bowler as well. For Pakistan, this is the best time for players like Anwar Ali, Umar Akmal & Haris Sohail to prove their selection for this tour. I don't understand why Pakistan still persist with Azhar Ali,there is no doubt he is a specialist test player but technically he is not that sound for ODI formats. Anyways, this is the bloody game of selection process so authorised people knows better than blogger. Good luck Pakistan Team, We want clean Swap 3-0. INSA"ALLAH !

POSTED BY
ExuberantRahul
on | January 5, 2013, 8:23 GMT

Why do people want Rohit Sharma back in Indian team. I think he has been given enough opportunities. He is talented but its the performance that we expect and he has always been below par.
In bowling department, where is Varun Aaron. He is a quickie. This is the time India needs to groom him. Or else when will they do so? on a foreign tour?

POSTED BY
lonewarriorram
on | January 5, 2013, 8:22 GMT

Simple changes might bring you desired results. Openers clearly struggled against new ball so far. Drop an opener and get A Rahane in. MSD must bat higher up the order and guide the batting. I don't understand what R Jadeja can do at 7/8. He hardly scores run a ball & doesn't have big hits in his armour. He should be send ahead of Yuvi & Raina if India looses early wickets. He can be better utilized in this way. Yuvi and Raina has wide range of shots and experienced enough to finish it off rather than exposing them to swinging ball. And finally please don't bring in "the best batsman in nets" R Sharma to strengthen the batting.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 8:19 GMT

These are dark times for the Indian team without a doubt but still the following is so misleading "CB Series and Asia Cup: not even close to finals. World Twenty20: didn't even try to make the next round." None of these is correct I'm afraid. Wonder if the author followed any of these series or remembers any of them!

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 8:19 GMT

Misbah can't drop himself from this side, he's the Captain, but he should not be in any future Pakistani one day/50 overs team. He should just Captain the Test side. Umar Akmal needs to be brought in for the out of form Azhar Ali. Yunus Khan plays the sheet anchor role to perfection. He did well in Chennai, was wrongly given out LBW in Kolkatta,there was a thick inside edge which everyone except umpire saw, so he should keep his place in this and future ODI sides. Yunus is our Amla.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 8:18 GMT

I guess Misbah and Younis Khan should make ways for newer younger talented players like Asad Shafique and Umer Akmal. Also these new bowlers should also be rotated like resting irfan and giving anwar ali a chance, i saw wahab riaz there too....so instead of keep em sitting on benches, give em a game or two to keep the rythm going....Good Luck Team Pakistan! Have A Great Year!!

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 8:15 GMT

Asad,umar they should give them a chance in 3rd ODI match
replace misbah ,younas not azhar
coz he is new batsman we know this time he not inform recently matches but its time for younger to play this moment.

POSTED BY
Major85D
on | January 5, 2013, 8:15 GMT

Now it´s time for misbah to retire! he does not help the team in any way: poor decisions, dropping catches and slow batting with only a few runs in every match!
Azhar Ali is a Test player, not an ODI, so he should be replaced by U.Akmal or Imran Farhat, who is an explosiv batsman.

POSTED BY
imja
on | January 5, 2013, 8:14 GMT

Dhoni is nothing but a coward. If the pitch or the bowling attack is good he always bat down the under and when the pitch is batting friendly or the bowling is not good he bats higher up the order.

POSTED BY
SherjilIslam
on | January 5, 2013, 8:14 GMT

Please play Rahane and Shami Ahmad......and for England series select Rassool and Ishwar Pandey.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 8:13 GMT

Pakistan's having a nice time to teach silly Indian's that they r nt the champs, and to teach them how to entertain their big crowd at their home. Hopping to see another drama of bad tempered sharma's episode 2. jai ho pakisthan

POSTED BY
FARHAN-SB
on | January 5, 2013, 8:12 GMT

India is under immense pressure after losing Series in Kolkata but they will try to keep their pride in last ODI, at least some thing to cheer with. India Pakistan games always bring public criticism for one side because sentiments are so much attached and emotions are high!
I wish Team Pakistan best of Luck for the " GREEN WASH " around the corner for them and It will be first after 1983-84 ….. So GO GREEN GO!

POSTED BY
NickWombozi
on | January 5, 2013, 8:10 GMT

Quite disgusting that these games are going on without any expression of support for the horrific situation on the streets of Delhi and over the country. By contrast, look at how Kallis spoke out for his recently murdered friend. Our 'sporting' teams, millionaire heroes and institutions like BCCI continue to show their lack of integrity and class. And their followers - the people, will ultimately get what they deserve from both the game and their other institutions.

POSTED BY
Humdingers
on | January 5, 2013, 8:07 GMT

Lot's of mysteries going on. Why persist with Ghambir (at least Sehwag can bowl and is a good slips fielder)? Why is Fletcher still there? What has Rohit or Raina done recently? Where is Rahane? Why not draft in Pujara and Chand (or one of the other performing players)?
Ah the merry go round that is the Indian team selection...

For a change, no Sachin bashing! It will now be interesting to see who the Sachin bashers are going to have a go at. I bet you they cannot find one as all 11 are performing badly. Till now they had one person to have a go at despite other 10 not being consistent. Exciting times ahead for Sachin bashers!!!!

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 7:55 GMT

i agreee its best to drop sehwag, if you have to pick beetween him and gambir, because gambir will be a senior player in the next world cup, while sehwag is going to not make it, but if you drop both, then its best to open with kohli and rahane, and now you have room for rohit sharma, and jajeja, and india seriously need to start looking into giving umukt chand, a chance, like kohli who was a great success after a great win in under-19 i dont see why he wont be either.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 7:55 GMT

Let Umar Akmal in for Azhar Ali

and Anwar Ali Khan deserves a chance too.

POSTED BY
QingdaoXI
on | January 5, 2013, 7:36 GMT

Rahane, Kohli, Dhoni, Rohit, Raina, Yuvraj, Jadeja, Ashwin, B.kumar, Ishant, Ahmed. This should be the playing XI drop both Sehwag and Gambhir forever from all formats.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 7:35 GMT

xxx and yyy? Lol. Looks like a programmer wrote the article.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 7:35 GMT

I don't quite understand the "xxx" and "yyy" under the quotes area...

POSTED BY
NasserAliKhan
on | January 5, 2013, 15:59 GMT

Pakistan should go for the kill and try utmost for a clean sweep. This will give tremendous boost to Pakistan cricket. "Experimenting" doesn't really work because you give the impression you are not trying to play your best. Experimentation must be "live". I can't imagine the Australians to even think along these lines. Their philosophy has always been to "put pressure from the 1st ball of the FIRST match to the last ball of the LAST match". Do not forget that in recent history, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka have lost each and every test in Australia, and, usually by big margins. Taking an aggressive approach, Pakistan may lose some matches. So be it. The Australians lose too; but look at their win/loss ratio. The Australians have players of immense skills and staying power,true; but what they have in abundance is aggressive intent, of mind and effort. Inshallah Pakistan will start winning in Australia and South Africa too, after beating India in the final ODI as well.

POSTED BY
Engr.TahirShah
on | January 5, 2013, 10:21 GMT

The intensity will nevertheless be at its highest, no matter what combination bother teams play with. If Pakistan even play all the remaining four players of the squad, they'll be extremely eager to produce the same result as the others have. There will be plenty of energy and effort from these guys and with no pressure at all, there is a strong possibility that they may come victorious once more. India on the other hand will be under immense pressure to avoid the humiliating white wash. Every member of the team will feel that pressure and they may not deliver their best under such circumstances, where the opposition is on very high, morale wise. Will be great if both the teams give all their remaining squad members the opportunity to play. All the best both the teams. Play in the true spirit of the game. Can't wait for the start of the game tomorrow.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 7:35 GMT

I don't quite understand the "xxx" and "yyy" under the quotes area...

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 7:35 GMT

xxx and yyy? Lol. Looks like a programmer wrote the article.

POSTED BY
QingdaoXI
on | January 5, 2013, 7:36 GMT

Rahane, Kohli, Dhoni, Rohit, Raina, Yuvraj, Jadeja, Ashwin, B.kumar, Ishant, Ahmed. This should be the playing XI drop both Sehwag and Gambhir forever from all formats.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 7:55 GMT

Let Umar Akmal in for Azhar Ali

and Anwar Ali Khan deserves a chance too.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 7:55 GMT

i agreee its best to drop sehwag, if you have to pick beetween him and gambir, because gambir will be a senior player in the next world cup, while sehwag is going to not make it, but if you drop both, then its best to open with kohli and rahane, and now you have room for rohit sharma, and jajeja, and india seriously need to start looking into giving umukt chand, a chance, like kohli who was a great success after a great win in under-19 i dont see why he wont be either.

POSTED BY
on | January 5, 2013, 8:05 GMT

For a change, no Sachin bashing! It will now be interesting to see who the Sachin bashers are going to have a go at. I bet you they cannot find one as all 11 are performing badly. Till now they had one person to have a go at despite other 10 not being consistent. Exciting times ahead for Sachin bashers!!!!

Lot's of mysteries going on. Why persist with Ghambir (at least Sehwag can bowl and is a good slips fielder)? Why is Fletcher still there? What has Rohit or Raina done recently? Where is Rahane? Why not draft in Pujara and Chand (or one of the other performing players)?
Ah the merry go round that is the Indian team selection...

POSTED BY
NickWombozi
on | January 5, 2013, 8:10 GMT

Quite disgusting that these games are going on without any expression of support for the horrific situation on the streets of Delhi and over the country. By contrast, look at how Kallis spoke out for his recently murdered friend. Our 'sporting' teams, millionaire heroes and institutions like BCCI continue to show their lack of integrity and class. And their followers - the people, will ultimately get what they deserve from both the game and their other institutions.

POSTED BY
FARHAN-SB
on | January 5, 2013, 8:12 GMT

India is under immense pressure after losing Series in Kolkata but they will try to keep their pride in last ODI, at least some thing to cheer with. India Pakistan games always bring public criticism for one side because sentiments are so much attached and emotions are high!
I wish Team Pakistan best of Luck for the " GREEN WASH " around the corner for them and It will be first after 1983-84 ….. So GO GREEN GO!